Read the Word: Psalm 119:65-72
Meditate on the Word:
Here, the psalmist speaks of a time when he went astray. Probably many of us can recall a time when we went astray. When we wandered away from the Lord. There was a ten-year period of my adult like when I did just that. It was not a good time in my life. The psalmist does not tell exactly what affliction he went through while he was astray because he is speaking to the Lord who already knows. My affliction when I was astray was anger, loneliness, bitterness, and failure in most of my efforts.
These are not necessarily things that God did to me. These are things that I experienced as a result of my separation from Him. Sometimes the punishment we experience is that of our own making. Returning to a closeness with God eased the burden on my spirit. I used to think that obedience to God was all about avoiding judgment and punishment. The psalmist asserts that “I delight in your instruction.” When we delight in His instruction, we naturally draw closer to Him and feel the benefits of that closeness. Then, our behavior follows.
Pray the Word:
When you pray today, take the time to delight in some aspect of God’s character. Perhaps His mercy. Focus on that for a time and enjoy it.
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